Lunge exercise device and methods of use

ABSTRACT

A manually-operated lunge exercise device and methods of performing a lunge exercise using the same. The provided device may comprise at least one guide bar, at least one track operably connected to the guide bar, one or more wheels, and a plate. The plate is slidably engageable with the track and moveable along the guide bar through engagement with at least one wheel, said wheel being rotationally engaged with the track.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/775,617, filed Feb. 25, 2013, and claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. Section 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/823,082, filed May 14, 2013, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

A lunge is a strength training or cardiovascular exercise traditionally performed without a machine and optionally performed with dumbbells, barbells, or just an exerciser's bodyweight. Traditionally, a lunge is performed with one leg and foot positioned forward with the knee bent and foot flat on the ground while the other leg and foot are positioned behind. The lunge primarily exercises and strengthens an exerciser's leg muscles, particularly the quadriceps and gluteal muscles, and the muscles comprising the hamstrings, semitendinosus, semimembranosus, and biceps femoris. A drawback of the traditional lunge is that an exerciser may perform a lunge in improper form, thereby decreasing the effectiveness of the exercise and increasing the risk injury.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to exercise devices and methods of using such devices. More particularly, the disclosure provides lunge exercise devices, methods of performing lunges with such devices, methods of performing other low-impact exercises with such devices, and methods of achieving fitness and health goals using such devices and methods.

In some embodiments, the provided device and methods are configured to help a user perform a lunge exercise wherein the user's bodyweight is forced onto the heel of the user's forward foot (said foot frictionally engaged with the device) while impeding the ability of the user to put his or her bodyweight on the ball of said foot. Positioning bodyweight on the ball of a forward foot can cause a person performing a lunge exercise to stumble or actually fall over. The presently disclosed exercise device is configured to hold the user's forward foot steady and alleviate stress on the user's joints by enabling a smooth, fluid forward and reverse motion. Additionally, in some embodiments, the provided device is configured to hold a user's forward foot at one or more angles of incline while still impeding the ability of the user to position bodyweight on the ball of said foot.

In some of the various embodiments, the provided exercise devices comprise at least one guide bar, at least one track operably connected to the guide bar, and a plate slidably engageable with the at least one track and reversibly moveable along the guide bar. The provided devices may further comprise one or more wheels slidably engageable with the at least one track. The wheels may be operably connected to the plate or operably connected to the at least one track. The track may, in some embodiments, comprise V-shaped edges, and the wheels may be rotationally engaged with the V-shaped edges of the track. A base may, in some embodiments, be engaged with the guide bar at or proximate to a first end of the guide bar. The first end of the guide bar may, in some embodiments, be elevated with respect to a second end of the guide bar, the second end being opposite the first end. A provided device may also comprise a base engaged with the guide bar at or proximate to the second end of the guide bar. Therefore, the first and second ends of the guide bar may, in some embodiments comprise a base. Each base is configured to provide stability to the guide bar by inhibiting rotational movement of the guide bar. Additionally, a base may be configured to elevate an end of the guide bar above a floor or other surface upon which the device is place. In other embodiments, a base may be configured to maintain an end of the guide bar substantially flat against the floor or other surface upon which the device is placed. In some embodiments, the provided device may have one or both types of disclosed bases. For example, one end of the guide bar may comprise one type of base and the other end may comprise the same or different type of base. Additionally, in some embodiments, a bottom surface of the guide bar is engaged with a top surface of the base through a fastener engagement.

In some embodiments, a first portion and a second portion of each wheel may have the same or different radii, both of such radii being greater than the radius of a third portion of each wheel. In such embodiments, the first and second portions of each wheel inhibit substantially perpendicular movement of the plate with respect to the guide bar, and the third portion of each wheel receives a V-shaped edge of a track.

In some embodiments, the plate has a substantially flat surface opposite the side facing the track and guide bar. In other embodiments, the surface opposite the side facing the track and guide bar comprises an angle of incline. Whether having a substantially flat or an angle of incline, the plate surface opposite the side facing the track and guide bar has dimensions suitable for receiving a bottom of a user's foot.

In some embodiments, the plate is configured to reversibly adjust from being substantially flat to having an incline by raising or lowering a first plate end relative to a second plate end. For example (and without intending to be limited), the plate may adjust to have an incline angle of 1-30°. Accordingly, the plate may be adjusted to have an incline of 1°-5°, 5°-10°, 10°-15°, 15°-20°, 20°-25°, 25°-30°.

In some embodiments, the plate does not have a first end that adjusts relative to a second end but nevertheless comprises an adjustable incline angle. In such embodiments, the plate comprises one or more stackable surfaces, each surface providing a greater angle of incline than the immediately preceding surface. Each stackable surface either engages a base portion of the plate or the top of a stackable surface already engaged with the plate base portion. The base portion may, in some embodiments, be substantially flat. The plate may be reversibly adjusted—through the addition or removal of one or more stackable incline surfaces—to have an incline of (without intending to be limited) 1°-5°, 5°-10°, 10°-15°, 15°-20°, 20°-25°, 25°-30°. For example, the plate may comprise two stackable incline surfaces, the first incline surface engaged with the base plate portion and providing an incline angle of 5°, and the second incline surface engaged with the top of the first incline surface and providing an additional incline angle of 5°, thereby resulting in a plate having an inclined surface with a cumulative incline angle of 10°.

In yet other embodiments, the plate comprises an adjustable incline angle but does not have a first end that adjusts relative to a second end nor does it comprise one or more stackable surfaces. Rather, in such embodiments, the plate comprises one or more detachable surfaces, each detachable surface engageable with a plate base portion and providing a different angle of incline. Accordingly, the plate may be reversibly adjusted—through the substitution of one or more detachable surfaces—to have an incline of (without intending to be limited) 1°-5°, 5°-10°, 10°-15°, 15°-20°, 20°-25°, 25°-30°. For example, a first detachable surface engaged with the plate base portion may provide an incline angle of 5°, and if an angle of 10° is desired, the first detachable surface may be removed and substituted with a second detachable surface that engages the plate base portion and provides an incline angle of 10°.

In further embodiments, the plate comprises an adjustable incline angle but achieves such angle by different means. In such embodiments, the plate itself may be detachable from the track and guide bar, thereby allowing for the substitution of a different plate. Accordingly, the device may—in some embodiments—comprise one or more detachable plates, each plate providing a different angle of incline. Accordingly, the device plate may be reversibly adjusted—through the substitution of one or more plates—to have a plate incline of (without intending to be limited) 1°-5°, 5°-10°, 10°-15°, 15°-20°, 20°-25°, 25°-30°. For example, a first detachable plate may be substantially flat, and if an incline angle of 10° is desired, the first detachable plate may be removed from the device and substituted with a second detachable plate that provides an incline angle of 10°.

In some of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, also provided are methods of performing an exercise. Such methods comprise providing an exercise device as disclosed herein, placing a first foot on a plate of the device and a second foot on a ground surface proximately lateral to the plate, extending the plate forward along the guide bar with the first foot, and applying pressure with the first foot sufficient to reverse the course of the plate along the guide bar. In the performance of such exercise, a first knee, a second knee, or both, may be bent during the extension of the plate forward along the guide bar. Additionally, a user's bodyweight may be maintained with a frictional engagement between a heel of the first foot and the plate during performance of at least a portion of the exercise. Moreover, in those embodiments wherein a first knee, second, knee, or both, are bent during performance of the exercise, the method may further comprise straightening the first knee, second knee, or both as the plate is reversed along the guide bar. In some embodiments, the exercise performed is a lunge, and is performed in a manner suitable for achieving fitness and health goals of a user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the many embodiments of the present disclosure will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A illustrates one example of a provided exercise device;

FIG. 1B is the exercise device of FIG. 1A illustrating an exerciser using the exercise device to perform a lunge;

FIG. 2A illustrates a top view of one example of a plate of a provided exercise device, said plate having at least one substantially flat surface;

FIG. 2B is a side view of the plate of FIG. 2A and illustrates various embodiments of the provided exercise device, including a plurality of wheels engaged with a track and a substantially flat surface opposite the track;

FIG. 3 illustrates one example of a base of a provided exercise device, said base configured to elevate one or more ends of the guide bar above a floor or other surface upon which the device is placed;

FIG. 4 illustrates one example of a stopper of a provided exercise device;

FIG. 5A illustrates one example of a guide bar of a provided exercise device;

FIG. 5B illustrates one example of a V-shaped track of a provided exercise device;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of one example of wheels rotationally engaged with V-shaped edges of tracks of a provided exercise device;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of one example of a plate having an inclined surface opposite the guide bar and tracks, as well as one example of an adjustable locking mechanism configured to allow a user to selectively limit the degree of movement of the plate along the tracks and guide bar;

FIG. 8A illustrates one example of a provided exercise device, said device comprising two bases configured to maintain the guide bar substantially flat against a floor or other surface upon which the device is placed;

FIG. 8B illustrates a side perspective view of a plate of the device of FIG. 8A engaged with tracks and a guide bar; and

FIG. 9 illustrates one example of a provided exercise device, wherein the track is a single, integral track having two V-shaped edges on opposite lateral sides of the guide bar.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Specific embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described. The invention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the same to those skilled in the art.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The terminology used in the present disclosure is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the specification and appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Recitations of “at least one” component, element, etc. in the present disclosure and appended claims should not be used to create an inference that the alternative use of the articles “a” or “an” should be limited to a single component, element, etc.

In the present disclosure and appended claims, recitations of a component being “configured” to embody a particular property, or function in a particular manner, are structural recitations, as opposed to recitations of intended use. More specifically, references to the manner in which a component is “configured” denotes an existing physical condition of the component and, as such, is to be taken as a definite recitation of the structural characteristics of the component.

As used in the present disclosure and appended claims, terms like “preferably,” “commonly,” and “typically” are not utilized to limit the scope of the claims or to imply that certain features are critical, essential, or even important to the structure or function of the claimed embodiments. Rather, these terms are merely intended to identify particular aspects of an embodiment of the present disclosure or to emphasize alternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in a particular embodiment of the present disclosure.

The terms “substantially” and “approximately,” as used in the present disclosure and appended claims, represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. Such terms are also utilized to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, properties, conditions, and so forth as used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Additionally, the disclosure of any ranges in the specification and claims are to be understood as including the range itself and also anything subsumed therein, as well as endpoints. Notwithstanding that numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the disclosure are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical values, however, inherently contain certain errors necessarily resulting from error found in their respective measurements.

Exercise Device

In some of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, provided is an exercise device comprising means for one or more of the following functions: engaging a limb of a body with a plate portion of the device, reversibly moving the engaged limb and the plate along a portion of the exercise device, creating resistance against the movement of the limb and the plate along the portion of the exercise device, and stabilizing the device to allow for repeated motion of the limb along the portion of the exercise device while rotational motion thereof is inhibited. Accordingly, the presently disclosed device comprises means for performing an exercise and achieving health and fitness goals through the performance thereof. In some embodiments, the device comprises means for performing lunges. In other embodiments, the device comprises means for performing other exercises.

One example of a provided exercise device comprises at least one guide bar, at least one track operably connected to the guide bar, and a plate. The guide bar may have a substantially square, rectangular, oval, circular, or triangular cross-section. Good results have been achieved with a substantially rectangular cross-section. The plate may, in some embodiments, have one or more wheels mechanically joined to the plate and be configured to engage the track and guide bar. The one or more wheels may, in alternative embodiments, be mechanically joined to the guide bar and be configured to engage the track and plate. In either configuration, the plate is slidably engageable with the track. The device is configured such that the plate is moveable along the track by a rotational engagement between one or more wheels and the track. In some embodiments, the exercise device further comprises a base engaged with the guide bar. The base is typically engaged at or proximate to a first end of the guide bar. Some embodiments may include a base engaged with the guide bar at or proximate to a second end of the guide bar in addition to a base engaged at or proximate to the first end of the guide bar, or alternatively the base may be engaged only at or proximate to the second end of the guide bar. In some embodiments, the guide bar has a material of construction selected from aluminum, aluminum alloy, steel, or a functionally similar material.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a bottom surface of the guide bar is engaged with a top surface of the base at or proximate to the first end of the guide bar. The engagement may be a fastener engagement. The fastener may be a screw, rivet, nail, bolt, or any other fastening device. In some embodiments, the engagement of the top surface of the base and the bottom surface of the guide bar elevates the first end of the guide bar with respect to the second end of the guide bar. This engagement lifts the first end of the guide bar to at least the height of the base while the second end of the guide bar remains engaged with a surface, such as the ground, upon which the device is placed. The height of the base is variable. As non-limiting examples, the top surface of the base may be 0-1 inch, 1-2 inches, 2-3 inches, 3-4 inches, 4-5 inches, or 5-6 inches above the surface upon which the device is placed. The resulting incline means that the plate moves, in some embodiments, up an incline during the performance of a lunge.

In some embodiments, the engagement of the top surface of the base and the bottom surface of the guide bar maintains one or both ends of the guide bar substantially proximate to the floor or other surface upon which the device is placed. In such embodiments, the base is configured to lower the center of gravity of the device, thereby inhibiting rotational movement of the guide bar. As one non-limiting example, the base may comprise one or more substantially flat bars or tabs. As one of skill will appreciate, in such configuration, the device does not achieve an incline through the base, guide bar, or combination thereof. Rather, the guide bar is maintained substantially flat against the surface (such as floor) upon which the device is placed.

In some embodiments, it may be desirable for the provided device to have an incline. The incline results in the user's bodyweight being placed on the heel of the user's engaged foot and discourages the user from positioning bodyweight onto the ball of said foot. A lunge performed with a user's bodyweight on the ball of the forwardly placed foot can cause the user to stumble or fall over. By positioning bodyweight on the heel of the engaged (forward foot on the plate) throughout the lunge, the user may prevent joint stress and strain that may be caused by an improper lunge. Moreover, by performing a lunge in proper form, the user may better achieve health and fitness goals.

In those embodiments where an incline is desired, the provided device can be configured to have an incline through the combination of a base and guide bar, as previously described. Alternatively, the device may achieve an incline through the one or more plates of the device. In some embodiments, the plate is configured to reversibly adjust from being substantially flat to having a desired incline. For example (and without intending to be limited), the plate may adjust to have an incline angle of 1-30° by raising a first end of the plate relative to a second end of the plate. Accordingly, the plate may be adjusted to have an incline of 1°-5°, 5°-10°, 10°-15°, 15°-20°, 20°-25°, 25°-30°. In such embodiments, the plate comprises a means for maintaining the incline of the plate. For example, the plate may comprise a hinge mechanism, a kickstand mechanism, a detent mechanism, a ratchet mechanism, a jack mechanism, a caliper mechanism, a screw mechanism, a pin mechanism, or other suitable mechanism.

In other embodiments, the plate comprises one or more stackable surfaces in order to achieve a desired incline, each stackable surface providing a greater angle of incline than the immediately preceding surface. Accordingly, the plate may be reversibly adjusted—through the addition of one or more stackable incline surfaces—to have an incline of (without intending to be limited) 1°-5°, 5°-10°, 10°-15°, 15°-20°, 20°-25°, 25°-30°. For example, the plate may comprise two stackable incline surfaces, the first incline surface engaging at least a portion of a plate base portion and providing an incline angle of 5°, and the second surface engaging at least a portion of the first incline surface and providing an additional incline angle of 5°, thereby resulting in a plate having an inclined surface with an incline angle of 10°.

In yet other embodiments, the plate comprises one or more detachable surfaces in order to achieve a desired incline, each detachable surface providing a different angle of incline. Accordingly, the plate may be reversibly adjusted—through the substitution of one or more surfaces—to have an incline of (without intending to be limited) 1°-5°, 5°-10°, 10°-15°, 15°-20°, 20°-25°, 25°-30°. For example, a first detachable surface may engage at least a portion of a plate base portion and provide an incline angle of 5°. If a user desires an angle of 15°, the first detachable surface may be completely removed from the plate and substituted with a second detachable surface that provides an incline angle of 15°.

In further embodiments, the plate itself may be detachable from the track and guide bar, thereby allowing for the substitution of a different plate in order to achieve a desired incline. Accordingly, the device may—in some embodiments—comprise one or more detachable plates, each plate providing a different angle of incline. Accordingly, the device may be adjusted—through the substitution of one or more plates—to have a plate incline of (without intending to be limited) 1°-5°, 5°-10°, 10°-15°, 15°-20°, 20°-25°, 25°-30°. For example, a first detachable plate may be substantially flat. If a user desires an incline of 10°, the first detachable plate is completely removed from the device and substituted with a second detachable plate having an incline angle of 10°.

As indicated, in some embodiments, the disclosed device provides an incline. This incline, combined with other elements of the device, may induce a user to perform a lunge in proper form. Each lunge performed in a proper form more effectively stimulates the muscles of the leg, particularly the quadriceps and gluteal muscles, and the muscles comprising the hamstrings, semitendinosus, semimembranosus, and biceps femoris. Performing a proper lunge may enable the user to achieve health and fitness goals.

In some embodiments, the plate—whether substantially flat, or comprising at least one inclined surface through a variety of disclosed means—may take a variety of shapes. These shapes may include a square, a rectangle, a triangle, a circle, or a variety of rounded or pointed shapes, including a shape substantially similar to the bottom of a shoe or a foot. In other embodiments, the plate may have a contoured, dimpled, ridged, roughened, or other surface type and may take a variety of shapes. Regardless of shape or surface type, the plate has a surface with dimensions suitable for receiving at least a portion of a bottom of a user's foot.

In some embodiments, multiple tracks are operably connected to the guide bar, each tack comprising at least one V-shaped edge. In other embodiments, the track is one integral track operably connected to the guide bar and comprising at least one V-shaped edge. In some embodiments, each V-shaped edge is located proximate to the intersection of the top and lateral surfaces of a guide bar having a substantially square or substantially rectangular cross-section. The connection of the at least one track to the guide bar may be a fastener engagement as described elsewhere herein.

In some embodiments, at least one wheel is rotationally engaged with a track, the engagement being on at least one side of the guide bar. At least one track further comprises at least one V-shaped edge and the wheels independently rotationally engage the track at the V-shaped edge. In some embodiments, the wheels each comprise a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. In some embodiments, the first portion of each wheel corresponds with a top portion of the wheel, the second portion of each wheel corresponds with a bottom portion of the wheel, and the third portion of each wheel corresponds with a center portion of the wheel. In some embodiments, the first portion and the second portion of each wheel have substantially equivalent radii. In some embodiments, the third portion of each wheel has a smaller radius than the radius of both the first portion and the second portion of each wheel. In some embodiments the rotational engagement between each wheel and a V-shaped edge of the track occurs at the third portion of each wheel, said portion being configured to receive at least a portion of such V-shaped edge. In some embodiments, this wheel structure comprising a third portion with a radius that is smaller than the radius of both the first portion and the second portion prevents substantially perpendicular movement of the plate with respect to the guide bar.

In other embodiments, the wheels may maintain a uniform radius or any other shape to allow a rotational engagement with the track in a variety of manners. For example, the track may comprise at least one groove to allow rotational engagement between one or more wheels and a groove or grooves of the track. In other embodiments, at least one wheel may have a magnetic engagement with the track or the guide bar. In some embodiments, the wheels comprise steel or a functionally similar material of construction.

In some embodiments, the plate is able to move along a length of the guide bar, the length comprising a distance from a first position of the guide bar to a second position of the guide bar. This length comprises a length of the track, but in some embodiments is not equivalent to the total length of the guide bar. In some embodiments, a first stopper is attached to the guide bar at the first position of the guide bar, a second stopper is attached to the guide bar at the second position of the guide bar, or the first and second stoppers are both attached as described. Each stopper is configured to restrict the slidable movement of the plate along the guide bar at the first position of the guide bar, at the second position of the guide bar, or both. In some embodiments, each of the stoppers may comprise a variety of materials, including rubber, steel, aluminum, plastic, synthetic, or any functional equivalent. In some embodiments, at least one stopper is located proximate to an end of a guide bar.

Instead of one or more stoppers, or in combination with one or more stoppers, the movement of the plate along a length of the guide bar may be restricted by an adjustable locking mechanism. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the device comprises an adjustable locking mechanism attached to, or otherwise engageable with, the guide bar, said mechanism being configured to restrict the slidable movement of the plate along the guide bar in a reversible and user-customizable manner. For example, a user may move the mechanism to a first position along the guide bar such that one or more lunges may be performed at a first maximum length. Next, the user may move the mechanism to a second position along the guide bar such that one or more lunges may be performed at a second maximum length. The first maximum length may be greater than or less than the second maximum length. Without intending to be limiting, examples of suitable locking mechanisms include pins, rods, cleats, and clamps. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may be configured to slidably engage with the one or more tracks, thereby enabling a user to adjust the mechanism by, among other actions, sliding the mechanism along the one or more tracks to a desired position. One of skill will appreciate that the track, guide bar, or both will, in such embodiments, have along its length apertures, holes, ridges, or other means for allowing the slidable locking mechanism to lock into place. In some embodiments, instead of being slidably engageable with the one or more tracks, the locking mechanism is configured to be inserted into one or more apertures, holes, ridges, or other engagement means formed into the guide bar. For example, in embodiments where the locking mechanism is a pin, the guide bar comprises one or more holes along its length, each hole configured to receive the pin. The one or more holes may be located between two tracks (i.e., vertical insertion) or along the side of the guide bar (i.e., horizontal insertion).

Methods of Using the Exercise Device

In some of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, provided are methods of performing exercises and methods of achieving a user's health and/or fitness goals. One such method is a method of performing lunges comprising the steps of: placing a first foot on a plate, placing a second foot on a ground surface next to the plate, extending the plate forward along a guide bar with the first foot while maintaining a frictional engagement between a heel of the first foot and the plate, and applying sufficient pressure to the plate with the first foot to reverse the course of the plate. While extending the plate forward, the user may also bend a first knee, a second knee, or both. Similarly, while reversing the plate, the user may straighten the first knee, the second knee, or both. Moreover, the user may maintain bodyweight on the heel of the foot engaged with the plate during performance of the exercise. In some embodiments, the user may adjust the incline of the plate by raising or lowering one end of the plate, by adding one or more stackable surfaces to the plate, by changing a detachable surface of a plate, or by substituting another plate. In some embodiments, the user may adjust the stride length by adjusting placement of one or more adjustable locking mechanisms along the length of the guide bar.

In some embodiments, the method of performing lunges further comprises engaging the second foot with the plate and engaging the first foot with the ground surface next to the plate and performing a lunge as previously described but with the second foot being the forward foot engaged with the plate. In some embodiments of the method of performing lunges, the steps are repeated multiple times to complete a set of exercises wherein the first foot is frictionally engaged with the plate. In some embodiments, the method comprises repeating steps multiple times to complete a set of exercises wherein the second foot is frictionally engaged with the plate. An exercise set comprises repetitions of one or more exercises intended to be performed in series.

In some embodiments of the method of performing lunges, the user may choose to use additional weight beyond the user's bodyweight. This method further comprises grasping a first weight with a first hand and grasping a second weight with a second hand. The weight may be a barbell, a dumbbell, or any functionally similar exercise apparatus.

In some embodiments, other methods of performing an exercise are disclosed. One such exercise comprises the steps of: grasping a base with a first hand, grasping the base with a second hand, placing a first foot on a plate wherein the plate is in a resting position, placing a second foot on a plate wherein the plate is in the resting position, moving the plate towards the base, and moving the plate towards the resting position. This method of exercising may further comprise repeating the exercise multiple times. This repetition may represent a predetermined set of the exercise.

In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the exercise device may be used to achieve a user's goals with respect to medical issues such as obesity, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular health. The exercise device may also be used to achieve a variety of fitness goals such as improved leg and general strength, improved leg and general endurance, and improved balance.

EXAMPLES

The described embodiments will be better understood by reference to the following examples which are offered by way of illustration and which one of skill in the art will recognize are not meant to be limiting.

Example 1

A first example of an embodiment of the disclosed devices is illustrated by FIG. 1, wherein 1A illustrates some exemplary embodiments of a provided exercise device 1000. The shown device 1000 comprises a guide bar 1100 having a first end 1110 and a second end 1140; at least one track 1200 operably connected to the guide bar 1100, each track 1200 comprising at least one V-shaped edge 1210. A plate 1300 is operably engaged with one or more wheels 1400 (not shown), each wheel 1400 is independently rotationally engageable with a V-shaped edge 1210 of a track 1200. In this example, the plate 1300 has a substantially flat surface (not labeled) opposite the track 1200 and guide bar 1100 and is slidably engageable with the track 1200 and moveable along the guide bar 1100. At least the substantially flat surface portion of the plate 1300 has a shape and other dimensions suitable for receiving at least a portion of the bottom of a user's foot.

FIG. 1A further illustrates a base 1500 engaged with the guide bar 1100 at or proximate to the first end 1110 of the guide bar 1100. In the example shown, the first end 1110 of the guide bar 1100 is elevated with respect to the second end 1140 of the guide bar 1100. Also shown is a first stopper 1600 attached to the guide bar 1100 at a first position 1130 of the guide bar 1100, the first stopper 1600 being configured to restrict forward movement of the plate 1300 along the track 1200 and guide bar 1100. In some embodiments, a second stopper 1610 may also be attached to the guide bar 1100 at a second position (not labeled) of the guide bar 1100, said second stopper 1610 configured to restrict reverse movement of the plate 1300 along the track 1200 and guide bar 1100. A stopper 1600, 1610 may be attached to the guide bar 1100 by a fastener engagement (as elsewhere defined) or by other suitable means (for example, a weld). FIG. 1A also illustrates the exercise device 1000 with a user's first foot frictionally engaged with the plate 1300 of the exercise device 1000 in an initial position for performing a lunge exercise. The user's second foot may be placed substantially proximate to the first foot in a lateral, forward, or backward position, the second foot being on the floor or other surface upon which the device 1000 is placed. FIG. 1B shows a similar embodiment of the exercise device 1000 with a user engaged with the exercise device in a later position of a lunge exercise, wherein the user has moved the plate 1300 forward along the track 1200 and guide bar 1100. The user's knees are shown as being bent. To complete the exercise, the plate 1300 will be reversed, and at least one knee will be straightened. In some embodiments, the user may switch feet such that the second foot is engaged with the device 1000 and first foot is engaged with the floor or other surface upon which the device 1000 is placed. Thus, a lunge exercise may also be performed with the second foot exhibiting forward motion on the device 1000.

Example 2

Examples of some embodiments of provided devices are illustrated by FIG. 2, wherein 2A illustrates a top view of one example of a plate 2000 comprising through holes 2010 that receive a bolt, screw, pin, or other fastener and allowing for a fastener engagement between the plate 2000 and one or more wheels (not shown). One of skill will appreciate, however, that a plate 2000 lacking through holes 2010 is also contemplated. In one embodiment, the plate 2000 comprises four through holes 2010 spaced in a substantially rectangular arrangement. However, other arrangements are also contemplated. While the depicted plate 2000 has a substantially rectangular shape, other shapes are also contemplated.

FIG. 2B illustrates a side view of the plate 2000 of FIG. 2A. In this illustration, each of a plurality of wheels 2020 attach to the plate 2000 through a bolt, screw, pin, or other fastener to create a fastener engagement between the plate 2000 and the wheels 2020. Further illustrated in FIG. 2B is a guide bar 2030. A top surface 2040 of the guide bar 2030 is engaged with two tracks 2050, each track 2050 further comprising at least one V-shaped edge 2060. The V-shaped edges 2060 are rotationally engaged with the wheels 2020. In some embodiments, each wheel 2020 comprises a first portion 2070, a second portion 2080, and a third portion 2090. In some embodiments, the radius of the third portion 2090 is smaller than the radii of the first 2070 and second portions 2080. In some embodiments, the radius of the first portion 2070 is substantially equivalent to the radius of the second portion 2080. In some embodiments, the wheels 2020 are rotationally engageable with the track 2050 through a rotational engagement between the third portion 2090 of a wheel 2020 and a V-shaped edge 2060 of the track 2050. As shown, the third portion 2090 of a wheel 2020 is configured to receive at least a portion of a V-shaped edge 2060 of a track 2050. In some embodiments, the first portion 2070 and the second portion 2080 of the wheels 2020 restrict movement of the wheels 2020 and the plate 2000 in a substantially perpendicular direction with respect to a length of the guide bar 2030.

The plate 2000 is shown as having a substantially flat surface 2100 opposite the track 2050 and guide bar 2030. Said surface 2100 may receive at least a portion of the bottom of a user's foot. Alternatively, said surface 2100 may receive a one or more stackable surfaces (not shown) or a single detachable surface (not shown). In such embodiments, the surface 2100 may function as a base portion of the overall plate.

Example 3

Another example of a disclosed embodiment is illustrated by FIG. 3, which shows a top view of one example of a base 3000 of an exercise device. Such base 3000 comprises a top surface 3010 and a bottom surface 3020 (not shown). In some embodiments, the top surface 3010 of the base 3000 further comprises one or more holes 3020 that receive a bolt, screw, pin, or other fastener thereby allowing for a fastener engagement to be made between the top surface 3010 of the base 3000 and a bottom surface (not shown) of a guide bar (not shown). The top surface 3010 of the base 3000 may be engaged with the guide bar near a first end of the guide bar. In some embodiments, the engagement of the top surface 3010 of the base 3000 at a first end of a guide bar creates an incline between the first end and a second end (not shown) of the guide bar. In such embodiments, the base 3000 is not substantially flat. For example, the top surface 3010 of the base 3000 may be elevated a predetermined amount above the bottom surface 3020, which engages a surface upon which the exercise device is placed. In other embodiments, the engagement of the top surface 3010 of the base 3000 at a first end of a guide bar does not create an incline. In such embodiments, the base 3000 is configured to maintain the guide bar substantially flat (or otherwise proximate) to the surface upon which the exercise device is placed.

Example 4

Another example of a disclosed embodiment is illustrated by FIG. 4, which shows one example of a stopper 4000 of an exercise device. One or more of such stoppers 4000 may be positioned along a length of a track (not shown), guide bar (not shown), or both, to restrict the length along which the plate (not shown) may travel. In some embodiments, one stopper 4000 may be positioned forward of the plate and one stopper 4000 positioned behind the plate. As shown, the stopper 4000 comprises one or more through holes 4010 configured to receive a bolt, screw, pin, or other fastener. One of skill will appreciate, however, that a stopper 4000 may be fastened in a manner not requiring a through hole 4010. For example, a stopper 4000 may be welded or attached with and adhesive.

Example 5

Another example of a disclosed embodiment is illustrated by FIG. 5, wherein 5A illustrates a guide bar 5000 comprising a plurality of apertures 5010 configured to receive a bolt, screw, pin, or other fastener. One of skill will appreciate, however, that guide bars lacking such apertures are also contemplated. FIG. 5B illustrates one example of a track 5020 comprising a V-shaped edge 5030. In some embodiments, the track 5020 comprises multiple sections, each engageable with the guide bar 5000 and comprising at least one V-shaped edge 5030. Such track 5020 is configured to (i) attach to one portion of the guide bar 5000 such that a V-shaped edge 5030 is on one lateral side of the guide bar 5000; and (ii) attach to another portion of the guide bar 5000 such that another V-shaped edge 5030 is on an opposite lateral side of the guide bar 5000. In other embodiments, the track may be a single integral track, comprising at least one V-shaped edge. Such track may have at least one V-shaped edge on each of opposing lateral sides such that when attached with the guide bar, the device has at least one V-shaped edge on opposite lateral sides of the guide bar. In either embodiment, the V-shaped edges 5030 may be positioned proximate to the top surface of the guide bar 5000 when the track 5020 is engaged with the guide bar 5000. However, the V-shaped edges could be positioned elsewhere on the guide bar when the track is engaged and not depart from the scope of the present application. Regardless of position, the V-shaped edges 5030 are configured to independently engage with one or more wheels (not shown) to allow slidable movement of the plate (not shown) along the track 5020. The track 5020 illustrated in FIG. 5B comprise a plurality of apertures 5040 configured to receive a bolt, screw, pin or other fastener, thereby allowing for engagement of track 5020 and the guide bar 5000. Accordingly, the apertures 5010 of the guide bar 5000 correspond with the apertures 5040 of the track 5020. One of skill will appreciate, however, that a track 5020 and guide bar 5000 may be fastened in a manner not requiring apertures 5010, 5040. For example, a track 5020 may be welded or attached with and adhesive.

Example 6

Other embodiments of some of the provided exercise devices are illustrated by FIG. 6, which shows a perspective view of a plurality of wheels 6000 rotationally engaged with V-shaped edges 6010 of two tracks 6020, 6030. Each wheel 6000 is also independently engaged with a plate 6040 and one of the tracks 6020, 6030. As shown, each wheel 6000 has a first portion 6050, a second portion 6060, and a third portion 6070. At least a portion of each V-shaped edge 6010 is received by the third portion 6070 of each wheel 6000. One of skill in the art will appreciate that while four wheels 6000 are depicted, the scope of the present application is not limited by the same. For example, a provided device may comprise two or six wheels.

Example 7

Other embodiments of some of the provided exercise devices are illustrated by FIG. 7, which shows that a plate 7000 may have at least one inclined surface 7010 opposite the guide bar 7020 and one or more tracks 7030. Said figure also illustrates that the device may comprise one or more adjustable locking mechanisms 7040 configured to limit how far along the track 7030 and guide bar 7020 the plate 7000 may slide. Although the locking mechanism 7040 shown comprises a pin (not labeled), a variety of other mechanisms are also contemplated. A user may adjust the locking mechanism 7040 position by, among other actions, removing the pin, sliding the mechanism 7040 to a desired position, and inserting the pin.

Example 8

Other embodiments of some of the provided exercise devices are illustrated by FIG. 8A, which shows that a base 8010 of the device 8000 may be configured to maintain the bottom surface (not shown) of the guide bar 8020 substantially flat against the floor or other surface upon which the device 8000 is placed. As shown, a base 8010 may be or comprise a substantially flat bar or tabs, said base 8010 extending a sufficient length from the guide bar 8020 to impede rotational movement of the guide bar 8020. The device 8000 is shown with a first base 8010 and a similar second base 8030 on an opposite end of the guide bar 8020. While the base 8010, 8030 is shown extending perpendicular from the guide bar 8020, one of skill will appreciate that other configurations and shapes are also contemplated. For example, a base or portions thereof may have a triangular shape, an oval shape, a square shape, a circular shape, or combinations thereof. Moreover, a first base may differ from a second base.

FIG. 8B illustrates a side perspective view of the plate 8040 of the device 8000 engaged with at least one track 8050 and the guide bar 8020. With such view, it can be better appreciated that the base 8010, 8030 is configured to maintain the bottom surface 8060 of the guide bar 8020 proximate to the floor or other surface upon which the device 8000 is placed. It can also be appreciated that the plate 8040 comprises at least one inclined surface 8070.

Example 9

Other embodiments of some of the provided exercise devices are illustrated by FIG. 9, which shows that a track 9000 may be a single, integral unit having at least two V-shaped edges 9010, 9020 on opposite lateral sides of the guide bar 9030. A V-shaped edge 9010, 9020 may be proximate a top surface 9040 of the guide bar 9030. However, other positions on the guide bar 9030 are also contemplated. The integral track 9000 may comprise a plurality of apertures 9050 configured to receive a bolt, screw, pin, or other fastener, said apertures 9050 corresponding to similar apertures (not shown) formed in the guide bar 9030. Alternatively, or in combination with the aforementioned, the track 9000 may be attached to the guide bar 9030 in another manner. For example, through use of a weld or adhesive. The track 9000 and guide bar 9030 may be configured to allow a plate (not shown) to slide along the track 9000 length unimpeded, whereas in other embodiments, the track 9000 and guide bar 9030 may be configured to include one or more adjustable locking mechanisms (not shown) that allow a user to customize the track 9000 length along which the plate will slide.

The present disclosure should not be considered limited to the specific examples and figures described herein, but rather should be understood to cover all aspects of the invention. Various modifications, equivalent processes, as well as numerous structures and devices to which the present invention may be applicable will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art. Those skilled in the art will understand that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, which is not to be considered limited to what is described in the specification and drawings. 

1. A lunge exercise device, comprising: a) at least one guide bar having a first end and a second end; b) a base engaged with the guide bar proximate to the guide bar first end, the engagement inhibiting rotation of the guide bar; c) at least one track operably connected to a top surface of the guide bar, each track comprising at least one V-shaped edge; d) one or more wheels, each wheel being rotationally engageable with a V-shaped edge of a track; and e) a plate operably connected with the one or more wheels, the plate slidably engageable with the track and reversibly moveable along a length of the guide bar.
 2. A lunge exercise device according to claim 1, wherein the engagement of the base and the guide bar is a mechanical attachment between a bottom surface of the guide bar and a top surface of the base.
 3. A lunge exercise device according to claim 2, wherein the bottom surface of the guide bar is maintained proximate to a surface upon which the device is placed.
 4. A lunge exercise device according to claim 1, wherein the one or more wheels are mechanically attached to the plate.
 5. A lunge exercise device according to claim 1, wherein the plate is reversibly detachable from the track and the guide bar.
 6. A lunge exercise device according to claim 1, wherein the plate comprises at least one substantially flat surface opposite the track, said surface having dimensions suitable for receiving a bottom of a user's foot.
 7. A lunge exercise device according to claim 1, wherein the plate comprises at least one inclined surface opposite the track, said surface having dimensions suitable for receiving at least a portion of a bottom of a user's foot.
 8. A lunge exercise device according to claim 7, wherein the inclined surface has an angle of incline from about 1° to about 30°.
 9. A lunge exercise device according to claim 8, wherein the angle of incline is reversibly adjustable by raising or lowering a first end of the plate relative to a second end of the plate.
 10. A lunge exercise device according to claim 8, wherein the angle of incline is reversibly adjustable by adding or removing one or more stackable surfaces, each stackable surface (i) reversibly engageable with the plate or another stackable surface engaged with the plate; and (ii) having a greater angle of incline than the surface upon which it is stacked.
 11. A lunge exercise device according to claim 8, wherein the angle of incline is reversibly adjustable by adding or removing a single detachable surface having a predetermined angle of incline, the detachable surface reversibly engageable with the plate.
 12. A lunge exercise device according to claim 1, comprising two tracks on opposite lateral sides of the guide bar, each track being independently rotationally engaged with at least one wheel.
 13. A lunge exercise device according to claim 1, wherein the track is a single, integral track operably connected to the guide bar and having two V-shaped edges on opposite lateral sides of the guide bar, each V-shaped edge being independently rotationally engaged with at least one wheel.
 14. A lunge exercise device according to claim 1, wherein each wheel comprises a first portion with a first radius, a second portion with a second radius, and third portion between the first portion and second portion, the third portion having a third radius that is less than the first and second radii.
 15. A lunge exercise device according to claim 14, wherein the third portion of each wheel is configured to receive a V-shaped edge of a track.
 16. A lunge exercise device according to claim 1, comprising one or more adjustable locking mechanisms that reversibly limit the length of the guide bar along which the plate may move.
 17. A lunge exercise device according to claim 1, comprising two stoppers mechanically joined to the guide bar length at first and second positions on opposite sides of the plate.
 18. A lunge exercise device, comprising: a) at least one guide bar having a first and a second end; b) a base engaged with a bottom surface of the guide bar proximate to the guide bar first end, the engagement maintaining the guide bar bottom surface proximate to a surface upon which the exercise device is placed; c) at least one track operably connected to the guide bar, each track comprising at least one V-shaped edge; and d) a plate comprising (i) at least one inclined surface opposite the track and (ii) one or more mechanically joined wheels rotationally engageable with the V-shaped edges of the track, each wheel comprising a first portion with a first radius, a second portion with a second radius, and a third portion with a third radius, the third portion configured to receive a V-shaped edge of a track; wherein the plate is slidably engageable with the track and reversibly moveable along the track and guide bar.
 19. A method of performing lunges, comprising: a) positioning a bottom of a user's first foot on a plate of a device comprising: i) at least one guide bar having a first end and a second end; ii) a base engaged with the guide bar, the engagement inhibiting rotation of the guide bar; and iii) at least one track operably connected to the guide bar, each track comprising at least one V-shaped edge; wherein the plate has one or more wheels mechanically joined thereto, each wheel rotationally engageable with a V-shaped edge of a track, the plate being slidably engageable with the track and reversibly moveable along a length of the guide bar. b) positioning a bottom of a user's second foot on a surface upon which the device is placed, the second foot being proximate to the first foot; c) extending the plate forward along a length of the track and guide bar by applying sufficient pressure to the plate with the first foot, frictional engagement between at least a portion of the first foot and the plate being maintained as the plate is extended; and d) reversing the plate along a length of the track and guide bar by applying sufficient pressure to the plate with the first foot, frictional engagement between at least a portion of the first foot and the plate being maintained as the plate is reversed.
 20. A method of performing lunges according to claim 19, further comprising repeating steps a-d with the second foot being positioned on the plate and the first foot being positioned on the surface upon which the device is placed. 